Wine Industry Mentor Program announces new participants

Wine computer

Sixty-two early career professionals have today been announced as the latest recruits to the Wine Industry Mentor Program following extraordinary numbers of applications for the expanded program.

Industry partners Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology, The University of Adelaide, Wine Australia and Wine Communicators of Australia are delighted at the outstanding applications received and congratulate the mentees and mentors of the program in 2021.

All industry partners agreed, “It was no easy task to decide from among the almost 150 applicants who would be part of this program aiming to support and inspire the future generations of wine industry professionals.”

“It was pleasing to receive applications from early career professionals across the wine sector including wine marketers, winemakers, viticulturists, researchers, wine students, wine retailers and sommeliers, all eager to be mentored by some of the most respected wine sector leaders.”

One of the drivers of Australian wine’s global success has been the willingness of those in the industry to share knowledge and expertise and there is no better example of that than this program. The program partners are proud to offer the Wine Industry Mentor Program in 2021 to give those early in their wine sector careers the opportunity to connect with like-minded, ambitious peers, grow their knowledge and inspire them to be the best they can be.

The program will see participants building their knowledge through genuine connections with experienced industry professionals over a period of six-months from 1 June and until the end of November. A graduation ceremony will be held at the end of the year to celebrate participants achievements and create a further networking opportunity.

2021 Mentees accepted into the program are listed below.

Ian Batt

Small Things Wine

Adeline Lin

Pacific Vintners Pty Ltd

Alexander Beckett

Briar Ridge Vineyard

Ben Luker

Wine Intelligence

John Biggar

Brown Family Wine Group

Emily MacDonald

Master of Wine Student

Jessica Bloomfield

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Mitch McKenzie

Chateau Tanunda

Clare Burder

Eminence Wines

Imogen McNamara

Chateau Tanunda

Jessie Caines

Viticulturist

Pia Merrick

Qualia Wine Services

Natalia Caliani

University of Adelaide (PhD Student)

Baden Mills

Yabby Lake Vineyard

Lisa Cardelli

Terroir Selections and WSET

Brad Nott

Poignant Pty Ltd

Gemma Charles

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Melanie Olson

Parade Cellars

Jessica Clark

Giant Steps Wines

Samantha Pfieffer

Whistler Wines

Jane Curley

Gilbert Family Wines

Zachary Phillips

Wine Writer

Samantha Davidson

WD Wines + Mount Majura Vineyards

Carla Pizzini

Pizzini Wines

Ben Dolan

Rob Dolan Wines

Nicole Reschke

Reschke Wines

Chloe Earl

Dixon Creek Estate

Stuart Rusted

Treasury Wine Estates

Kristy Farrell

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Alex Schutt

Endeavor Drinks

Rhys Fitzgerald

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Adam Shelley

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Daniela Gaggl

Yalumba

Kasia Sobiesiak

The Real Review

Yanina Daniela Giordano

University of Adelaide (PhD Student)

Darran Stone

Stone Family Wines

Yevgeniya Grebneva

Australian Wine Research Institute

Eva Sui

University of Adelaide (PhD Student)

Max Gu

Schubert Estate

Holly Tagima

Australian Vintage Limited

Hannah Hodges

Mac Forbes Wines

Alyson Tannenbaum

Vinteloper

Will Hugo

Hugo Wines

Courtney Tate

Wine Envy

Alexander Hum

Brokenwood Wines

Karja Thiele

Joval Wine Group

Georgina Jacobs

Balnaves of Coonawarra

Kelly Thomas

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Jackson Jansz

Project Wine

Moria Tirtha

Veraison Magazine

Grace Jiranek

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Daniel Tokar

Tokar Estate

Harry Kinsman

Australian Vintage Limited

Allan van Breukelen

Endeavour Group

Sandra Kneile

Vinotopia

Naomi Verdonk

University of Adelaide (PhD Student)

Vanesa Lambert

Lambert Estate Wines

Ravi Vithal

Pooley Wines

Lauren Langfield

BK Wines & Lauren Langfield Wines

Patricia Williamson

Australian Wine Research Institute

Mark Law

Dan Murphys

Kristen Zerk

Z Wine Pty Ltd

The program boasts Australia’s most highly respected and experienced wine sector leaders, who are passionate about wine and the future of the Australian wine industry. We would like to thank these individuals who give their time willingly and voluntarily to support and foster the growth of the Australian wine sector.

Tagged in Engagement and Industry, Student & Graduate Stories, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Viticulture and Oenology, Agriculture